Laurel Frances Mayberry
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Laurel was born Sept. 25, 1928 in Napa, California, to Joseph and Alna (Herndon) Lowery. She attended grade school in Norwood, Colo. and high school at Grand Junction High, graduating from Fruita High in 1945. Laurel attended Loretta Heights College in Denver for one year. Then graduated from Mesa Junior College in 1947.
Laurel married George Mayberry in 1954. George retired from Prudential Insurance in 1988. He died in 2006. Laurel was previously married to Leonard Paquette. Laurel was a secretary at the Grand Junction Veteran's Hospital beginning in 1948. She was employed at the Brentwood Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. During the uranium boom Laurel went to work at Atomic Energy Commission in Grand Junction. After becoming a stay at home mom for several years when her children were all in school, she started work at Mesa College. She retired in 1979.
Laurel was a member of Beta Tau Chapter of Epsilon Alpha Sorority for many years, serving as president and other offices. She was a twelve year member of the Grand Junction Senior Theater performing on stage and she also made many of the cast's costumes.
Laurel and George traveled extensively throughout the States, Canada, and Mexico in their various motorhomes. She loved camping, needlework, crosswords and reading.
Laurel is survived by four daughters: Denise Manzanarez (Robert) of Grand Junction, Debra Collins (Steve) Ft. Collins, Joleene Horn, of Lakewood; Peggy Perry, of Grand Junction; two sons: Michael Mayberry, of Grand Junction; Tyler Mayberry (Kim) of Hotchkiss; a step son; Austin Mayberry (Janet) Kingman of Arizona; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great - great grandchild; one brother, Dennis Lowery, of Grand Junction.
The Mayberry children wish to thank Dr. King and staff of Community Hospital Oncology Department and Hope West for their warm and kind care towards our beloved mother.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 7 at 10:30 AM at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction. Viewing 10:00-10:30.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to Hope West-Hospice of Grand Junction.